Since most of our little turkeys have a full week off school for Thanksgiving, it’s a great time to explore the city and make some magical memories with the family. The weather has been *cough* less than predictable, but so far, Thanksgiving Break is shaping up to be a gorgeous week, which is perfect for getting out and enjoying Austin. After planning the family feast (or making your reservation) and considering ways to give back to the community, it’s time to get some activities on the books. Here are some of our favorite things to do during Thanksgiving Break.
*Cover photo via ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Facebook Page
— Go to the park
We love to get outdoors on a family hike, nature walk, or picnic, and you can’t go wrong just hopping on a bike or walking over to your nearest neighborhood park for some fresh air and active playtime. Anywhere the kids can burn off some energy and take a break from screen time has us patting ourselves on the back.
Here are some ideas if you’re looking for places to explore:
- Best Places for a Family Picnic
- Best Playgrounds in the Austin Area
- Zilker Botanical Garden
- Mayfield Preserve
- St. Edward’s Trail
- Emma Long Metro Park
- McKinney Falls
- Enchanted Rock
- Inks Lake
- Pedernales Falls
- Bee Cave Sculpture Park
- Hamilton Greenbelt
— Play in the forts at Fortlandia
daily 9 am – 5 pm, closed on Thanksgiving day
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers a great place to spend hours enjoying nature. Pack along a picnic and your sunscreen to stay and explore the whimsical forts of Fortlandia and stroll the trails to the Children’s Garden. Make your reservation to visit. Fortlandia is included with regular admission. Visit wildflower.org for more info.
— Enjoy Thinkery’s Latest Exhibit
Hours vary, check here | Closed on Thanksgiving
Explore Austin’s beloved Children’s Museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits and activities, including the latest exhibit: Fortastic Adventure! Kids will have a blast at the always-fun Thinkery. Make your reservations at thinkeryaustin.org/gettickets.
— Visit the Science Mill for Underwater Marvels, then follow up with Lights Spectacular!
Dates vary – check websites | Extended holiday hours at Science Mill – check here | Closed Thanksgiving Day
Explore Science Mill and its special Thanksgiving Break exhibit, Underwater Marvels (Nov. 23 – Dec. 2). After, check out Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular—where more than 2 million lights become the “Twinkliest Town in Texas” from Nov. 29, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025!
— Get your bodies moving in the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 28 | Varying times | The Long Center
Before settling in for your Thanksgiving feast, enjoy some exercise in downtown Austin while you support Caritas of Austin in the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. Sign up for the 5-mile run, 1-mile walk, or Stepping Stone School Kids-K that begins at 8:45 am at the Long Center. Registration is open here.
— Give Santa your wish list.
It’s not too early to let the big guy know you’re on the good list this year! Here are some spots where you can see Santa over Thanksgiving Break (check each link for days/times): Photo Time with Santa @ Barton Creek Square Mall, Santa’s Wonderland @ Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops, Long Center, Simon Malls, Hill Country Galleria, and Sweet Eats Fruit Farm.
— Enjoy twinkly lights and seasonal cheer at several holiday events!
Haul out the holly: it’s time for winter holiday fun! Several events are happening now and many are opening the day after Thanksgiving. Also, check out our roundup of the Best Holiday Family Events.
- Mozart’s Light Show
- Austin Trail of Lights
- North Pole Flyer
- Peppermint Parkway at COTA
- Luminations @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Santa’s Ranch
- Johnson City Lights Spectacular
- Lighting of the Georgetown Square
— See a special performance! A Christmas Carol at ZACH
November 20 – December 29
Get into the holiday spirit at ZACH Theatre‘s most popular show! This family-friendly, upbeat version of Charles Dickens’s classic is anything but traditional, with plenty of upbeat music and dancing. Ticket prices vary, and can be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office at 512-476-0541 x1.
More to explore:
- Drive-Thru Zoos & Safari Parks
- Holiday Activities in San Antonio
- Austin Street Art
- Be a Tourist in Your Own Town: Classic Austin Activities
You can also check out our Daily Calendar for more events, and be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to get reminders about Top Picks for the weekend. Have a fun week! Happy Thanksgiving!
